🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - West Fargo, ND
West Fargo Eases Short-Term Rental Rules, Allowing Non-Owner-Occupied Properties
West Fargo Opens STR Doors Wider — Minus the Owner Requirement
West Fargo is officially retooling its short-term rental playbook, and for many hosts, the changes are long overdue. On Monday, the city commission approved the first reading of a revised ordinance that removes the rule requiring STR owners to live on-site, paving the way for non-owner-occupied homes and LLCs to get in on the rental scene.
The shift follows months of community discussions about fairness and flexibility. Critics of the old rule argued that it limited opportunity and failed to reflect how the STR market actually works. The commission’s new stance opens the door to more operators — but with clear boundaries in place.
For starters, the city is tightening its alignment with existing building codes to set occupancy limits, ensuring each rental’s guest capacity matches safety standards. The annual licensing schedule is also being standardized, running from July 1 to June 30, to make renewals more predictable for everyone involved.
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In a nod to neighborhood harmony, property owners must post their license and “Good Neighbor Guidelines” somewhere visible inside the home — think fridge doors or entryways. These simple displays are meant to remind guests to keep noise down and respect local rules, helping prevent complaints before they happen.
Commissioners say the move reflects a “modernized but mindful” approach — one that supports economic activity without sacrificing residential peace. With the first reading now approved, all eyes are on the final vote that could lock these rules in place ahead of the next summer rental rush.
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